Patentability Of Some Biotech Uncertain In Europe As Examination, Opposition Suspended 09/02/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The patentability of plants or animals that have been obtained by natural occurrence such as selection and crossing has been a recurrent issue discussed at the European Patent Office (EPO). A recent notice from the European Commission challenged a ruling by the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal on such patents, prompting yet more discussions in the organisation. In the meantime, all examination and opposition on such patents have been halted at the EPO. Industry is concerned that the EPO ruling might be questioned, and warns of effects on innovation, harm to applicants. Civil society is concerned about a non-transparent process.
WIPO Broadcasting Treaty: What Broadcasters Really Want To Protect Their Business From Piracy 09/02/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment In discussion for close to 16 years at the World Intellectual Property Organization, a treaty aimed at protecting broadcasting organisations’ intellectual property rights has not reached conclusion. Intellectual Property Watch sat down recently with the European Broadcasting Union to understand what broadcasters actually say they need to protect their businesses against piracy. As to what they see hindering the technical resolution of the treaty? Politics.
US Chamber International IP Index: US, Europe At Top; India Needs A Push 08/02/2017 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments The United States Chamber of Commerce today released its fifth annual International IP Index, which makes the case for the positive impact of intellectual property on economies. The United States scored highest, followed by top European economies and Japan. And near the bottom was India, despite recent efforts to accept the IP system. Separately, the report assesses international trade rules for IP and argues for nations to negotiate “TRIPS-plus” agreements.
Potential Treaty To Protect Broadcasters’ IP Rights: Technicalities Explained 08/02/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch Leave a Comment Negotiations for a treaty providing protections for broadcasting organisations have been long and difficult at the World Intellectual Property Organization. In the corridors of WIPO, questions to a number of delegates are often answered with a puzzled look and what seems to be little understanding of technical issues. Intellectual Property Watch recently tried to untangle some of the technicalities of the discussions.
Confidential Draft Of WHO Cancer Resolution Shows Remaining Issues IP-Related 07/02/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment The latest version of a draft resolution on addressing the global rise of cancer negotiated last week at the World Health Organization shows that remaining points are intellectual property-related, but there seems to be agreement on referencing trade flexibilities in the text, even from the United States, and a common goal of lowering prices of treatment. WHO members tried to reach common language during the Executive Board in January but time ran out and discussions are expected to continue until the annual World Health Assembly in May.
Quest For US Termination Of Copyright Made Uncertain By UK Duran Duran Judgment 03/02/2017 by Dugie Standeford for Intellectual Property Watch 1 Comment Efforts to reclaim rights under the US Copyright Act have increased recently as the window of opportunity for works created in the mid-20th century opens. In comparative cases, Paul McCartney’s decision to take back copyright assignments of his music in the United States appears to have been the right choice but may hang on a questionable UK ruling denying the same request by members of rock group Duran Duran, several intellectual property lawyers said.
UN High-Level Panel, Medicines Access Find Foothold At World Health Assembly In May 01/02/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments World Health Organization member states seeking solutions for ensuring medicines access have been looking for ways to get a recent controversial report from the UN headquarters on the WHO agenda. The Executive Board this week heard concerns and left open the possibility that it will come up at the annual World Health Assembly in May.
Gates Foundation, KEI Enter Into Official Relations With WHO 31/01/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 3 Comments The World Health Organization Executive Board ended its meeting one day early today, and agreed to have five new institutions to enter into official relation with the organisation, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, despite protests from civil society groups, and Knowledge Ecology International, led by activist firebrand Jamie Love. Meanwhile, the WHO is pursuing the implementation of its framework of engagement with non-governmental actors adopted in 2016. WHO members urged the organisation to speedily provide implementation tools such as a register of all such actors. The WHO said all is on track and is expected to be ready by the next World Health Assembly.
WHO Members Negotiate Resolution On Cancer; High Prices In Question 30/01/2017 by Catherine Saez, Intellectual Property Watch 4 Comments Cancer is spreading. According to the World Health Organization, the number of new cases of cancer is projected to increase to 21.6 million annually by 2030. The WHO Executive Board this week is considering a draft resolution for actions by the WHO member states and the secretariat. The resolution is being discussed and amended as issues such as the affordability and the accessibility of new cancer medicines, in particular in developing countries, are highlighted by many.
WHO Board Agrees To Drop The Word ‘Counterfeit’ After 30 Years 30/01/2017 by William New, Intellectual Property Watch 2 Comments For nearly 30 years, the United Nations World Health Organization has been referring to poor-quality and fake medicines as counterfeit. But that is about to change.